Save Westfield's Rialto Theater? There Is Precedent

WESTFIELD, NJ - An iconic theater shocks a community by closing, leaving patrons and employees in a lurch. This isn't just the story of the Rialto Theater in Westfield, which shut down last Friday, but the Bellevue Theater in Montclair which is set to reopen in November after being closed for two years.

And according to Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle, both are owned by the same person.

"The property owner and I also spoke at length about possible long-term options for the Rialto if the litigation is not resolved in a manner that allows for its reopening in the near term," Brindle said. "He referenced the recent announcement about the upcoming renovation of the Bellevue Theater in Montclair, which is another theater he owns."

In the case of the Bellevue, which closed its doors in November 2017, has signed a lease with Highgate Hall LLC, with plans to restore and modernize the venue, Montclair Local reported.

After that theater closed in 2017, local arts lovers tried to keep it going via an online petition that gathered hundreds of signatures.

"The Montclair Bellevue Theater has been nestled in Upper Montclair for almost 100 years," the petition read. "This space is iconic to Montclair and beloved by many, it would be a shame to let it waste away into another gentrified retail or office space."

The Bellevue's new lease holders are reportedly include some big names in show biz, including producer Luke Parker Bowles and actor Patrick Wilson, both of whom are Montclair residents, as well as local real estate developer Steven Plofker, Montclair Local stated.

In Westfield, the sudden shuttering of Westfield's Rialto Theater, which has been a staple in downtown since 1922, was caused by a dispute between tenant and landlord, according Brindle. Brindle noted that the matter is currently being litigated. Court documents show that Rialto Holdings filed a complaint against New Vision Cinemas in June of 2018.

Brindle noted that many people have reached out to offer assistance, words of support, and suggestions regarding the future of the Rialto.

"Beginning Friday morning and throughout the weekend, I've had numerous conversations with the attorneys on both sides of this issue, and met with the property owner at Town Hall this morning at my request," Brindle said. "Our discussion lasted several hours, during which time I expressed my concern about the sudden closing of this Town icon and pressed for an expedited resolution to the pending litigation, while also offering whatever Town assistance necessary."

Brindle said the discussion on the Bellevue reopening as a cinema/performance/event space happened "after a group of investors, with vision and passion, committed to transforming it."

"Rest assured, I will stay on top of any developments, as the property owner and I committed to staying in close contact," she said. "Above all, I am incredibly grateful for how this community has once again come together to rally around a cause that means so much to us all."

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